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Posts for: dickwilber
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Aug 19, 2020 14:20:53   #
etaoin wrote:
I used a king-size Velour blanket I bought at Target. They come in many colors.


I had a buddy that used a medium dark velour backdrop (lots of engaged young ladies and their intendeds) with one or two strobes for taking portraits at their homes with great effect. Could be draped over something quickly, requiring minimal setup. Could also be used effectively with colored gels if you wanted.

Most pros I knew used muslin if working with a support system for hanging; light weight, easy to store and carry, hang out fairly nice, come with a bag for storage and transportation. Canvas is more often used with a scene painted on, requires more time to set up and muscle to carry; usually reserved for setups that will be used for more than a few quick shots. Paper is a hassle and requires the longer rolls for any group which is difficult to transport if you don't have a van or truck; usually reserved for extended sittings or in studio. There are vinyl backdrops which can be very effective, especially for specialty high key work, but are generally a pain to use. I am intrigued with that micro fiber backdrop idea and have to look into it for myself!
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May 15, 2020 01:40:42   #
My experience was with sports at the end of the film era and the beginning of the digital world. I had learned to shoot manual long before and that worked well in constant conditions or when there was sufficient adjustment time between shots. But in the heat of action with scattered clouds, or, worse, the action going from sun to shade and back indiscriminately, auto exposure was an absolute blessing. I shot ISO 400 film except for extreme conditions, and with those early digital cameras, ISO 400 was pretty much where you wanted to be. I learned to shoot my Nikons (N8008, F3, F100, D100, D70, D200) on Aperture preferred, keeping an eye out for unsustainable shutter speeds. It worked extremely well, particularly with my f/2.8 lenses which I could shoot wide open. In bright mid-day light, I'd close down the aperture one or two stops and have the best of all worlds.

Today, with the high ISO capability and Auto ISO variability of modern DSLR's, I would think setting both your optimum aperture and shutter speed and allowing the ISO to automatically adjust for the light variations would provide the best combination for most conditions. In any case, you must have a firm handle on what your comfort range is, and know how you will modify your settings when you exceed that range. (I have to admit that I have not yet explored the possibilities sufficiently to know what my Auto ISO comfort range is in all conditions.)
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May 4, 2020 08:01:02   #
When I input "National Photo Co." in Google it returned information on a collection of prints from the Washington DC area taken between 1909 and 1932. But when I input the line “National Photo Co., Westport Station, Kansas City, MO” Google returned some newspaper clippings from July 1924 including this newspaper advertisement: “REEL, DEVELOPED AND GLOSS Prints 25¢. Fast Service. Free Enlargements. National Photo Co., Westport Station, Kansas City, Mo.”

It would seem likely that in 1924, the people using a mail in service to develop their film might place little value in the negatives. What would they do with them, where would they store them? Only the finished print had any real value. When I had my first camera's, as a child in the late forties and early fifties, no one in my household put great value in those little bits of celluloid --- wish I had them now.
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Apr 5, 2020 04:30:59   #
oneputt1111 wrote:
It seems to me that the whole country should be in a self imposed quarantine... Surely there must be a theme for shooting inside the house. God Bless


I take issue with the statement that we must stay inside. Some, who live in very congested areas had best, indeed, stay inside the house. Many, however, like myself, live in more open areas and we can quite safely venture outside, stroll about or work in our yards, and even walk on unbusy streets or sidewalks without getting within 20 feet of another human being. And doing this we can even converse with friends, neighbors and total strangers while observing the CDC guidelines for social distancing. That said, I have a lifetime supply of slides that need to be copied to digital to keep me busy indoors. Be safe.
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Mar 18, 2020 23:17:21   #
A 100 mm would not be my choice for either birds (especially not birds) or landscape.
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Apr 6, 2019 18:39:34   #
I've used a monopod for years. I supported my camera and lens on assignment shooting mostly sports and it doubled as my hiking staff on many memorable treks and backpacking trips. After replacing the rubber foot on the bottom due to wear a couple of times, it finally was in need of total replacement. I looked at some of the trekking poles - I think Leki was one - but felt they were too delicate for my use. My use is heavy duty, I lean heavily on it, often using it to support my weight as I regain my feet after a low shot. Notably, my replacement is another Manfrotto, and I felt more comfortable with the aluminum version rather than carbon fiber.
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Apr 3, 2019 11:08:35   #
Country Boy wrote:
... PC and logged into MS Word ...

Yeah, computer screen maybe, but ...

Longshadow wrote:
I have a GPS app on my phone that tells me the light color temperature ...

I don't. I'll probably just work with my camera.

eardoc wrote:
Lume Cube or Lume Cube Air

Another LED light source. I think the Bescor looked better, but I'll review what's available before committing.

Tom Daniels wrote:
... Cleaning slides was always tedious. ... Send them out the[re] are some good companies that will do the digitize of the slides.

Back in the lab, a quarter century ago, we used PEC with PEC Pads. I hope that's still available and I do have a small compressor. And I'm resistant to sending them out - I'm in a DIY mode, retired with lots of time, and a cheapskate.

OK, I'm shutting down now. Thanx everyone for information and encouragement.
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Apr 3, 2019 10:27:04   #
BigDaddy wrote:
I've thought about setting up a slide projector, displaying slides on a quality movie/slide projector screen, setting up a tripod with my camera and a remote switch, and snapping away. My slide projector broke so I can't try it out. Has anyone tried that? I've done scanners, and cheap slide duplicators and they are slow and not so hot.


Quality would not be as good.
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Apr 3, 2019 08:31:59   #
Longshadow wrote:
Shoot one, check the color balance, and manually set the camera WB accordingly?


That might be an option. I'll consider it as I assemble my kit.
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Apr 3, 2019 08:05:32   #
billnikon wrote:
I use the sky from 10 am to 2 pm when the color temp. is just about right.


The same method I use to check my camera's light meter (Sunny 16).

speters wrote:
I used to get good results using a speedlite!


Too many slides.

par4fore wrote:
I use my computer monitor.


I've heard of someone using their IPad; I wouldn't trust either without a color meter that I don't have.
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Apr 2, 2019 22:06:25   #
larryepage wrote:
I'm guessing ... There are some good small LED panels with filters for under $200 at B&H and other places.


Looking at the Bescor unit. Will check out other options at B&H. Thanx.
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Apr 2, 2019 21:56:14   #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Dick, I believe in the KISS principal. ...


Thanx PixelStan77, but I expect I can get better copies (if my technique is good) much faster with the D800. If I had access to a Nikon Super Cool Scan 5000 I would certainly go that way (though the camera will be quicker).

I am taking a close look at that Bescor LED-70 Daylight Studio light as a possible light source. It would have other potential uses here.
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Apr 2, 2019 21:47:46   #
burkphoto wrote:
Slide projectors typically used an ELH 300-Watt 120-Volt 3350K lamp. Later Kodak models used a 3300K lamp. ... I white balance the light source itself.


Thank you Burkphoto, this is the direction I was thinking, but it was really nice to get the correct color temperatures and confirmation of my reasoning.
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Apr 2, 2019 21:03:48   #
I have also used a sturdy monopod for years and have "climbed" it hand over hand to return to an erect position. Just get a sturdy one!
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Apr 2, 2019 20:51:40   #
That Garden Kneeler works well - I have used one about 5 years for gardening. The cushioned kneeling pad is a blessing for tired old knees - mine has worn out so I'm getting a whole new kneeler - the two handles make it possible for me to get this tired-fat-old body erect and moving again, and flipped over the seat is a welcome place to rest. I haven't used it that much for photography, it's a little unhandy to haul in the field but I plan rigging it to my always present backpack. Enjoy!
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